Hoop Notes - Olympic Style
Brendon Rosenau
Love of Sports Correspondent
Team America wrapped up their five-game exhibition schedule this week with a pair of hard fought wins.
On Sunday, they survived a tough encounter with Russia (89-68), and Tuesday was an even tougher game with Australia, in which the U.S. barely took down in an 87-76 win.
The battle with the Aussies was surprisingly close, considering Australian starting center Andrew Bogut sat it out. The Americans couldn’t find the range on their shots, hitting just 3-of-18 from three-point land and an alarmingly low 61% (21-of-30) from the free throw line.
Dwyane Wade looked like the best player in the world, scoring 22 points (8-of-12 shooting) and keying a third quarter run after Australia had clawed to within four. After the game, he criticized his team, saying they played lazy to start the second half.
LeBron James was the only other perimeter player who shot the ball well, hitting 7-of-12 for 16 points.
Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant both had tough games. Paul’s stat line was nice, with five assists and four boards, but he fouled out of the game. If I were a betting man, I’d say Deron Williams plays more at the point guard position in the Olympic opener with China.
Against Russia, Team USA shot 60% from the field and made 7-of-13 from behind the arc. The most notable occurrence was Jason Kidd not getting on the floor in the second half. Both Williams and Paul started the third quarter, but Williams was the one on floor to start the fourth. He was able to exploit Russia’s zone, which was consistently giving up open shots. Williams is a much better shooter than both Paul or Kidd, so look for him to be a major player when the Americans play against similar defenses.
Forward Chris Bosh was singled out for his play against Russia and may get more playing time because of it. Dwight Howard’s a liability at the free throw line, which is the major problem. He missed six straight against the Aussies, while Bosh was 3-for-4. Howard’s certainly more powerful and physical, but Bosh is a better defender against big men who stretch the floor.
Carlos Boozer didn’t play at all against Australia and Tayshaun Prince got only three minutes of floor time. It’s obvious these are the 11th and 12th men on the bench. The only way I see Prince getting serious minutes is in the event of foul trouble or if the team leads a defensive stopper, although Kobe’s assumed the role of lock down defender in the starting group. Boozer looks like the odd man out with Bosh playing so well and the team having the ability to move Carmelo Anthony (10 rebounds against Australia) or James to the center spot.
The U.S. plays their first game of the Olympics on Sunday against the host Chinese team.
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(If you’re watching the Olympics, you may need a couple beers to get yourself through all the garbage gymnastics NBS will be showing. If that’s the case, visit our sister site, The Love of Beer, to find out what we’re serving today!)
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